Getting to Know… Gordy Murphy | Interview

In the 515^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from the Boston-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, Gordy Murphy.

Boston-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Gordy Murphy adds, commenting about performing music, specifically the guitar, “I try to include all of the senses when I play.” Murphy provides the inside scoop on his genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know…Gordy Murphy: Interview No. 515!

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For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I like to think that my most unique quality is playing music that’s vivid. Music is more than just sounds…sometimes I want to play a guitar tone that’s dreamy and nostalgic, provoking memories or colors for the audience…Maybe I want to keep the guitar clean, but with the gain just right so that it’s on the edge of breaking, making my listeners focus more on the dynamics of the guitar. However, it’s done, I try to include all of the senses when I play.

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Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did your project start, and what were some of the goals or visions you had early on?

My first album, Memory’s Edge, came about because I had had enough of “normal” life…I had jobs that I liked and were interesting, but I had ignored my lust for music for so long that I think it was affecting my soul. But this was good because taking the full dive, which was much needed, into music helped me realign my life and goals. It’s not about money, status, or even fame…everyone deserves to set their soul free, and that’s what my musical projects have done for me.

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Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or perspectives changed since you first started? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

My goals haven’t changed much, but my approach has. My goal is to make a unique contribution to the rock music scene, which is a scene that is slowly coming back into the mainstream. We use instruments in rock, which is a sophistication that can’t be matched. It’s highly emotional. So, I’d like to contribute my sound to the cause! And while my goal hasn’t changed, the songs I write can vary in sound and style…but overall, it falls under the same sonic umbrella.

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Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences, and how are they influential?

Growing up, John Mayer was a huge influence. For starters, we’re from the same town, so that’s pretty fun. But I love how serious he’s been about his music…his love of blues was like the carrot in front of the horse, always driving him to be a better guitar player- this I can relate to deeply. But then his songwriting was a great fit for his vocals, which made his songs work overall. There are many sides to John as a musician, and I like to think I’m similar. It’s fun to navigate those differences. My other influences are Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Derek Trucks, James Taylor, Kurt Cobain, and Bill Evans.

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Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

Since I’m a one-man band, I do not have a band to tour with, but hopefully that can change soon! However, once during a performance in college, I was playing drums for an alternative rock band, and we were really driving the groove…Embarrassingly, I have sweaty hands, and my drumstick goes flying into the audience. I’m talking probably forty feet towards the front, and in that quick moment, I could see the mixture of expressions on everyone’s faces, some scared, others confused. Definitely hit somebody hard. But thankfully, I always keep another pair below the high-hat, so the transition was pretty good. Sorry to whoever got a stick to the face.

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To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

My favorite song I’ve recorded so far is probably “Leather Cigarette.” This was one of the first three songs I recorded away from my home studio, so it’s special in that regard. But I think it’s a song that summarizes the styles of music I like to play wrapped into one. It feels like the first song that really flowed.

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Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I’m a huge baseball fan! I’ve got partial season tickets to the Boston Red Sox, so I’m always there enjoying a ballgame in the sun with a hot dog and a beer. Similarly, I love collecting baseball cards, which has become an insane hobby worldwide. I try to keep my collection as small as possible, so I’ll submit some cards for grading and sell the ones I don’t want. That way it pays for itself! I actually have all of my cards in the same place where I write my music. I find that to be extremely important. Lastly, I need to have a red light bulb on while I’m writing music.

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What are you currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

…I’m always working on new music, so I guess my secret is that the third record is already in the works! I think it will have a more Americana sound.

[Note: Gordy’s second album, Thanks For The Lift, was released on April 17, 2026.]

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

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Getting to Know…Gordy Murphy: Interview No. 515 (2026) [📷: Gordy Murphy]

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